COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVES: MOTIVATORS, BARRIERS AND BENEFITS

ABSTRACT Purpose: To propose a classification of the different types of motivators, barriers and benefits existing in the processes of adoption of collaborative initiatives between companies within the supply chain. Originality/value: The results achieved assist managers to know the different types of motivators that drive the adoption of these initiatives, the benefits that can be achieved and the barriers that can be encountered, hence avoiding unsuccessful implementations. Researchers provide a better theoretical understanding of the different types of components present in these initiatives, paving the way for the search for empirical evidence. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic review of the literature, focusing on five initiatives: Quick Response (QR), Efficient Consumer Response (ECR), Continuous Replenishment Program (CRP), Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), and Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR). Findings: The motivators for adopting these initiatives are related to the economic or market changes and/or the organization of these companies. The barriers are classified as cultural, behavioral and physical and the benefits are classified as primary and secondary; showing that the primary benefits must be achieved in order for the secondary benefits to appear. The work shows that despite the use of similar nomenclatures, the concepts used may be different for various contexts. In addition, the work shows that information and communication technologies cease to be a barrier and become a facilitator for companies interested in collaborating in their supply chain. The importance of human resources is also highlighted.